31 January 2003
FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME GETS UNDERWAY IN DOWNPATRICK
DRD Roads Service has begun work on a £250,000 flood alleviation scheme on the Ballydugan Road Downpatrick.
The project is in response to repeated flooding on the road due to the high water level in the adjacent Quoile River basin, causing inconvenience to road users in the Downpatrick area.
Divisional Roads Manager John White said: "Design work and negotiations with landowners were progressed urgently and I am delighted to say that work has got underway this week.
"Roads Service plans to raise the level of the road by up to 0.8 metres. This will help avoid serious flooding on many occasions, however, it does not guarantee flood free roads during periods of exceptional rainfall. In order to achieve maximum benefit from the scheme, an extra traffic lane will be provided to assist with access to the car park at Rathkeltair House.
"I expect that the work should be substantially completed within a six week period. Temporary traffic management arrangements will be in operation and, while some delays are inevitable during the work, these will be kept to a minimum. I would urge motorists to exercise caution in the area of the works."
For further information contact Eamon Deeny or Anne McGivern at the DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0004/7
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